Why Fortnite Is A Hit For Kids and Approved By Parents!
From Parents With Halo to Kids With Fortnite
As millennial parents, we grew up with gaming and internet trends that shaped our lives—whether socializing in Club Penguin or engaging in epic battles in Halo. While some of the most popular games of our time weren't always age-appropriate, they left a cultural impact that paved the way for what our kids enjoy today. Now, as we raise a generation even more connected than we were, it’s fascinating to see games like Fortnite dominate their world. Let’s explore why Fortnite has become a hit with Gen Alpha and how it’s gained a surprising level of parental approval.
Online Gaming in the 2000s vs. 2020s
We millennials remember gaming as a reward after homework, with time limits set by our parents and the frustrating lag of slow internet. Our gaming experiences were tethered to consoles or desktop computers, and we waited all day to log in and escape into virtual worlds. These multiplayer adventures were filled with great memories but also came with exposure to toxic behaviors like vulgar language and cyberbullying.
Today, our kids experience gaming on a whole new level. They’re connected through smart devices, accessing multiplatform games like Fortnite wherever they go. While we spent hours typing “LOL” on AIM, our kids are chatting in real-time with their friends via Discord and customizing their in-game personas with endless skins and emotes. The social aspect of gaming has exploded, making Fortnite a virtual playground for collaboration and self-expression.
Why Kids Love Fortnite
The reasons our kids love Fortnite aren't all that different from why we loved multiplayer games growing up. But Fortnite isn’t just a battle royale game—it’s a social hub where kids can strategize, collaborate, and express themselves creatively. Whether it’s working together toward victory or customizing their avatars with the latest skins, Fortnite offers endless possibilities to explore and interact with their friends. Plus, with constant updates and event collaborations with popular brands, the game keeps the experience fresh and exciting. Although Fortnite is technically more suited for teens, younger kids are drawn to its immersive, ever-evolving world. And as parents, we see why it’s often a better alternative to other popular games in terms of content.
("Death" animation as featured on Fortnite PS5 trailer)
Why Parents Approve of Fortnite
Shooter games like Call of Duty have always been controversial due to their violent and mature content, a concern our parents had that still resonates with us today. Despite the media’s focus on these concerns, these games were still popular among a broad age demographic, which paved the way for games like Fortnite to succeed with younger audiences.
Fortnite has managed to gain more parental approval for several reasons. Its lack of blood and gore, in favor of cartoonish action, gives it a playful art style that many parents appreciate. Rather than characters dying, they’re teleported out of the arena, making the violence feel less intense. The game also offers a "Party Royale" mode where kids can simply hang out and enjoy creative entertainment without combat. For many parents, Fortnite provides a safe space for kids to socialize with systems in place that allow for easy supervision and boundaries to establish healthy gaming habits.
Keeping Fortnite Fun and Safe
While Fortnite has plenty of positives that make it a parent-approved choice, maintaining balance and safety is still essential. One area that poses a risk is the open chat feature, which can expose kids to inappropriate language or interactions. Fortunately, Fortnite offers robust parental controls to help us keep the experience safe.
Parents can control permissions for friend requests and voice/text chats, filter mature language, and even set up pin requirements to manage in-game purchases. All privacy settings are enabled by default for players under 18, and accounts for kids under 13 come with additional restrictions, known as cabined accounts, which require parental consent for certain features. These controls make it easy to guide their experience and ensure they’re staying safe while having fun.
One of the best ways to keep things safe—and bond with our kids—is to play the game together. By joining in, we can monitor how they’re interacting online, and who knows, we might even score a Victory Royale together. While celebrating their in-game wins, it’s equally important to encourage victories offline, too. Whether through outdoor activities, creative hobbies, or family time, finding balance is key to their overall development.
Millennials Walked So Our Kids Can Run in Modern Gaming
As millennial parents, we’re in a unique position to guide our kids through the digital landscape. We’ve experienced the evolution of gaming firsthand, from the early days of online multiplayer to today’s immersive digital worlds. By understanding what makes games like Fortnite so appealing, we can foster healthy gaming habits and ensure our kids get the most out of their online experiences.
Let’s celebrate the creativity, social connections, and excitement that Fortnite brings while keeping moderation at the forefront. After all, we’re raising the next generation of digital explorers, and their journey starts with the habits we help them build today.
